American Gem Society: The Power of Love

A Bridal Pair
The two figures, probably portraits, shown with matching left sleeves in damask, a medieval tradition of courtly love. Both are wearing jewelled circlets in their hair, an antique custom revived in the Middle Ages. The unbound hair of the girl is part of the more formal bridal coiffure signifying purity, and the presentation of flowers represents a complex symbolism containing allusions to both love and death.

<<BACK<<     >>NEXT>>